Annual celebration comes off without a hitch
Ojai Valley News photo by Tim Dewar
Parade participants get in the spirit with a bit of face makeup and fuzzy ears.
Perry Van Houten, Ojai Valley News reporter
Four-year-old Ryder Mazza, of Mira Monte, said his favorites were "the horsies and the big dog."
The Delamore family of Ojai agreed the horses were great, but Nathaniel, 13, Conor, 11 and Shane, 9, also liked the Model A cars, Corvettes and "the señoritas."
The 2018 Ojai Independence Day Parade stepped off at 10 a.m. to temperatures in the 70s.
Nearly 60 entries, led by the Vietnam Veterans of Ventura County, paraded up a chair-lined Ojai Avenue, from Country Club Drive to Park Road.
Entries included horse and school groups, classic and antique vehicles, and first responders such as the Ventura County Fire Department and Upper Ojai Search and Rescue.
“I loved the diversity and seeing all the different groups and organizations,” said Ojai Independence Day Committee president Kristi McGhee-Adejumo. “Everybody seemed to have a great time.”
Photo by Holly Roberts
Fireworks silhouette a group of watchers during this year’s July 4 celebration in Ojai.
Sixth-grade move is gathering steam
Andra Belknap, Ojai Valley News reporter
The Ojai Unified School District’s (OUSD) School Board will host a special meeting April 19 to discuss potentially moving the District’s sixth graders to Matilija Junior High School.
Due to declining enrollment across the District, Matilija’s population of seventh and eighth graders is set to shrink to 325 students by the 2020-2021 school year if no changes are made.
OUSD Superintendent Andy Cantwell said District staff is busily gathering information for the April 19 session.
See also: “Sixth-grade move looks financially feasible,” Ojai Valley News, Feb. 20, 2018.
OUSD Assistant Superintendent Sherrill Knox is gauging the interest of current elementary-school teachers in being part of a transition team that would guide Matilija’s change from junior high to middle school, Cantwell said.
“If this were to move forward, current faculty will be involved in developing the concept,” Cantwell said.
Council may vote itself a pay raise
Andra Belknap, Ojai Valley News reporter
The Ojai City Council voted four to one April 10 to direct city staff to draft an ordinance that would raise their stipends for the first time since 2006.
Ojai's five Council members each receive a $475 monthly stipend for their work. The proposed ordinance will raise that amount to $760 per month, an annual increase of $3,420 per member.
Mayor Johnny Johnston was the lone vote in opposition to the raise, arguing that the matter should be discussed during the Council's April 24 budget workshop.
Under California Government Code, Council salaries may be increased by five percent each calendar year.
Ojai's Municipal Code states that City Council members may receive a $75 monthly salary monthly and that amount may not be increased without an affirmative vote of the city's electorate.
In a staff report provided to the Council, Ojai City Manager Steve McClary stated that section of the municipal code is not currently operative.
The $75 amount was set in 1968, he said.
Commissioners' top priority for city staff is parking
Perry Van Houten, Ojai Valley News reporter
With an eye on fixing the parking problem downtown, the Ojai Planning Commission met April 4 to talk about priorities for the city's Community Development Department (CDD).
“I don't know if this just coincides with my recent arrival, but it seemed like a good way for me to get up to speed on things,” said Luke Connolly, incoming community development director for the city of Ojai.
In February, Connolly became the sixth person in six years to serve as CDD director.
The discussion was aimed at not only prioritizing, Connolly said, but looking at short-term items that can be finished versus mid-term and long-term.
“To get these things in somewhat of a fixed order, to see what we tackle first and maybe get extended timelines as to how long it will take to get through some of these things,” Connolly said, “or even identifying resources we may need to complete these.”
'Spice' girls flavor 'Miser'
Submitted photo
Women of ‘The Miser’ – Lee Ann Manley (Frosine), Kallie O’Connor (Elise) and Jessi May Stevenson (Marianne).
Being a woman in 19th century France came with its burdens, but you won’t feel that while watching “The Miser,” running two more weekends at the Art Center Theater. Covering a broad range of topics from greed, love and familial obligation, the play is all done in the light form of Commedia dell’arte, a physical comedy that loosens the grip of any seriousness that might come from the relationships between the characters.
Sooz Glazebrook and others open studios for tour
Image submitted
Sooz Glazebrook will open her studio to the public on May 11 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. as part of the Ojai Studio Artists Second Saturday Tour. “I will be displaying larger wall plates, ceramic jewelry, everyday ceramic ware and a painting or two,” she says. Also on the tour will be 10 other artists with studios in Meiners Oaks: Bert Collins and Jannene Behl, Andrea Haffner, Vera Long, Martha Moran, Mariana Peirano, Fanny Penny, James Petrucci, Myra Toth and Jules Weissman. The tour is free and self-guided. For a tour map and more information, including blogs by Ojai Studio Artists about their new work, visit http://www.ojaistudioartists.org.
Catch Danny McGaw and the 33 while you still can
Photo submitted
Danny McGaw and the 33 include Danny, Matt Cheadle (guitar), T.D. Lind (piano), Tim Hutton (bass) and Greg Wiser (drums) perform most Sunday evenings at The Vine in Ojai.
Notes from an Ojai millennial: First music video debuts April 19
Andra Belknap, Ojai Valley News columnist
The song is ending now, Danny McGaw is singing his final words. He strums an acoustic guitar, his eyes closed, the sound vibrating in our chests. Visible through The Vine’s front window are a pair of children, jumping in time with the sound.
Bennett is riding 'art board' wave
Photo submitted
Actor Dennis Quaid looks stoked after picking up a Bobbi Bennett “art board.”
Bobbi Bennett, a California-based photographer, is known for creating environments either in the studio or on location. Using live models, painted backgrounds, twigs, mud and various lighting techniques, she illustrates a thematic image. Her themes range from Native Americans, angels, superheroes, goddess icons and abstract landscapes.
Nordhoff dancers' concert May 3 and 4
Photo by Briana Beebe
Nordhoff High School Dancers rehearse for their spring concert.
The Nordhoff High School Dancers are excited to present "Phrases Rendered" spring concerts on May 3 at p.m.. and May 4 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Matilija Auditorium. Many dance styles will be staged, including modern, contemporary, hip hop, dance theater and tap-dance selections. Dances are connected to themes from different common phrases such as “walking on eggshells” or “throw me a bone.”
'Great Art Theft' is returning to Ojai Art Center
Photo submitted
Bonnie Riege, left, and Gretchen Greenberg put the final touches on displays for The Great Art Theft.
Ever wish you could be involved in an art heist where you walk away with a beautiful piece of original art? You can feel like you have by participating May 5 in “The Great Art Theft 2019.” For the price of a ticket ($80), you can feel the rush as you await the chance to pick an outstanding piece of fine art right off the wall.
Fire dancers light up the Ojai Mardi Gras
The Ojai Mardi Gras featuring the Ojai Mardi Gras Band with burlesque performers and fire dancers will be held at the Acacia Manson, 205 S. Lomita Ave., April 20 from 6 p.m. to midnight for those 21 and over.
Come in costume or other adornment and join the fun. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door. Visit www.paypal.me/acaciamansion to buy tickets or buy them at Studio Sauvageau or Cardinali Bros. Music in Ojai.
Bring your ID and cash for food and drinks.(sorry no credit cards) Food truck arrives at 6 p.m.